By RICHARD ROSENBLATT, AP Racing Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- Even though Pimlico racing officials want Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide to arrive early next week for the Preakness, the gelding's trainer may have other plans.
Barclay Tagg will employ the same strategy that allowed Funny Cide to sidestep most of the pre-Derby hoopla -- get there as late as possible.
``My job is to win the race with that horse,'' Tagg said Wednesday at Belmont Park. ``And we can't make a circus clown out of him to do it. We're not trying to be snobs, or hiding from the people or anything, but he just can't be disturbed all the time.''
Funny Cide was the last horse on the grounds at Churchill Downs for the Derby, arriving Wednesday, three days before beating favorite Empire Maker.
For the May 17 Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown, Tagg said Funny Cide could arrive next Thursday -- or later.
While Tagg was uncertain of Funny Cide's departure date, Sackatoga Stables' managing partner Jack Knowlton said his gelding could be shipped to Baltimore on Wednesday.
``Depends how he schools in the paddock at Belmont Saturday, and how he works out on Tuesday,'' said Knowlton, who heads the 10-person ownership group that includes six high school pals. ``Then Barclay will decide what's best.''
6 horse field...for the preakness...I have never seen that before
NEW YORK (AP) -- Even though Pimlico racing officials want Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide to arrive early next week for the Preakness, the gelding's trainer may have other plans.
Barclay Tagg will employ the same strategy that allowed Funny Cide to sidestep most of the pre-Derby hoopla -- get there as late as possible.
``My job is to win the race with that horse,'' Tagg said Wednesday at Belmont Park. ``And we can't make a circus clown out of him to do it. We're not trying to be snobs, or hiding from the people or anything, but he just can't be disturbed all the time.''
Funny Cide was the last horse on the grounds at Churchill Downs for the Derby, arriving Wednesday, three days before beating favorite Empire Maker.
For the May 17 Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown, Tagg said Funny Cide could arrive next Thursday -- or later.
While Tagg was uncertain of Funny Cide's departure date, Sackatoga Stables' managing partner Jack Knowlton said his gelding could be shipped to Baltimore on Wednesday.
``Depends how he schools in the paddock at Belmont Saturday, and how he works out on Tuesday,'' said Knowlton, who heads the 10-person ownership group that includes six high school pals. ``Then Barclay will decide what's best.''
6 horse field...for the preakness...I have never seen that before
